The holiday season can be stressful and overwhelming. Emotions you manage all year long often get amped up during the holidays. The hustle and bustle strains our schedules, finances and waist band. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed, sad or angry, chances are your boundaries have been pushed to far.
We have both physical and emotional boundaries that protect our thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Deciding on what your boundaries are going to be ahead of time will help ensure that you are respecting your own limits. Planning ahead will help you stick to your guns and make healthy choices about your time, energy, spending and diet.
Holiday events bring together friends, family, coworkers and other acquaintances. Difficult relationship dynamics can easily detract from the happiness this season can bring. Setting boundaries will help protect your time, energy and happiness. Be clear on what you need to have a happy, healthy holiday season and communicate your plans in advance. Letting other people know that you care about them and you are taking care of your are health and wellness will help in you set boundaries with the compassion and empathy.